Vietnam: Emperor Duy Tan leaving his palace in a palanquin, Hue (early 20th century)

Emperor Duy Tân (Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh San, 14 August 1899 – 25 December 1945), was a child Emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty and reigned for nine years between 1907 and 1916. His name was Prince Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh San and was son of the Thành Thái Emperor. Because of his opposition to French rule and his erratic, depraved actions (which some speculate were feigned to shield his opposition from the French) Thành Thái was declared insane and exiled to Vũng Tàu in 1907.

The French decided to pass the throne to his son Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh San, who was only seven years old, because they thought someone so young would be easily influenced and controlled, and could be raised to be pro-French. This proved to be a big mistake on the part of the French. Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh San was enthroned with the reign name of Duy Tân, meaning 'friend of reform' and in time would prove unwilling to live up to this name. As he became older he noticed that, even though he was treated as the Emperor, it was the colonial authorities who were actually obeyed.

As he became a teenager, Emperor Duy Tân came under the influence of the mandarin Trần Cao Vân, who was very much opposed to the colonial administration. Emperor Duy Tân began to plan a secret rebellion with Trần Cao Vân and others to overthrow the French. In 1916, while France was preoccupied with fighting World War I, Emperor Duy Tân was smuggled out of the Forbidden City with Trần Cao Vân to call upon the people to rise up against the French.

However, the secret was revealed and France immediately sent troops, and after only a few days they were betrayed and captured by the French authorities. Because of his age and in order to avoid a worse situation, Emperor Duy Tân was deposed and exiled instead of being killed. Trần Cao Vân and the rest of the revolutionaries were all beheaded.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd

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Pictures From History

Theme:

Colonial Vietnam,